The holidays will look a little different this year. Due to safety concerns, not as many families will be traveling and gathering together and more people are shopping online to avoid crowds at stores.
While staying safe from COVID-19 is a top priority this holiday season so is making sure you keep your little ones safe from dangerous toys. Be sure to do some research and stay up to date on the latest product recalls. We’ve made this list and checked it twice to help ensure your child’s top toy choice isn’t on the naughty list.
Top Toys for 2020
Good Housekeeping included multiple learning based toys to keep kids entertained while they are at home. Mystery gifts are topping children’s wish lists and parents are searching for toys that can help reduce screen time.
Good Housekeeping is a great resource for parents because engineers and analysts help ensure each toy on their list meets safety standards, including the shatter test and choking hazard test. Toys are also rated on their ease of assembly and durability during play, and assessed by a team of nearly 100 children for their fun factor. This year’s top toys to make the nice list are:
LeapFrog 100 Animals Book: Children love learning about animals. This interactive book includes animal sounds, fun facts and songs. Parents enjoyed the photos of the animals and taking a break from making all of the animal sounds themselves. (under $25)
Barbie Breathe With Me Meditation Doll: Now, kids can learn to meditate with Barbie. Press her necklace and she guides children through a calming meditation exercise. She comes with a pet that wears different clouds to express their emotions. (under $50)
Air Hogs Stunt Shot Indoor Remote Control Vehicle: This remote control vehicle has foam wheels and is perfect for indoor play. Kids will love driving it over carpets and parents will appreciate how it doesn’t damage their falls or furniture. (under $50)
Ryan’s World Secret Agent Mystery Mission Case: This toy is filled with fun and surprises but kids have to crack the codes and use clues to get to the hidden keys. Parents appreciate this interactive toy that keeps their child learning and helps them feel accomplished.
Toys That Didn’t Make the Cut
The Consumer Product Safety Commission ensures that children’s toys are compliant with safety standards set forth by Congress. Some of the common reasons why a toy can be deemed unsafe are lead or toxicity, choking hazard, or the toy is flammable. Here are three toys that are on the naughty list this year:
Huffy Torex Ride-on Toy UTVs: This toy is recalled because it can move unexpectedly when recharging the battery. This poses a risk of injury and already injuries have been reported.
Ganz Grumpy Cat Stuffed Animal: There are three models of this Grumpy Cat plush toy: an 8-inch Grumpy Cat in lying position, a 5-inch long sitting Grumpy Cat and a 4-inch Grumpy Cat keychain clip. All three models have been recalled because the stuffed animals’ eyes can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Manhattan Toy Activity Ball: This toy was sold exclusively at Target. It is being recalled because the toy’s plastic tubes can detach from the center ball and release the small silicone teethers that are threaded on the tubes, posing a choking hazard to young children.
It’s best to be on the safe side when it comes to children’s toys. Always check to see if the toy is age appropriate and suited to your child’s developmental level. Purchase safe toys that are free from toxic ingredients, won’t shatter into small pieces, or overheat and cause fires. Read Coker Law’s tips on how to pick a safe, fun toy for your child this holiday season.
Coker Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous or defective toy or product, contact our offices to discuss your injuries and situation. We will evaluate whether you have a case and what type of claim would be appropriate to make on your behalf. To speak with a Coker Law personal injury attorney or for more information, call (904) 299-0808 or click here to schedule a free consultation.
